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Political Science (B.A.)

Champion Justice and Influence Change

In the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree program at UD, you'll learn to combine critical analysis skills from the classroom with real-world experiences. You'll also have a wealth of support for internships and other career exploration opportunities sponsored by the Department of Political Science. American politics, public law, public administration, international relations, public policy and teacher are just a few of the careers you can pursue with this degree.

Through UD's accelerated degree programs, you can earn your Bachelor of Arts in Political Sciences plus a master's degree or a Juris Doctor through a streamlined program.

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Fast Facts

Accelerated Degree

opportunities to earn master's degree or a J.D.

Dayton2DC

an annual opportunity for UD students
About the Political Science (B.A.) Program

Why study political science at UD?

Accelerated Degree Programs

Earn a Bachelor of Arts in political science and master of public administration in just five years through the Bachelor's Plus Master's program. The undergraduate degree is earned in the first four years, with the master's degree being earned in the fifth year.

Experiential Learning

Students have opportunities to engage with professionals and gain practical advice about political science careers through Dayton2DC and Statehouse Civic Scholars.

Teacher Licensure Opportunity

A student majoring in political science can acquire teacher licensure through the dual-degree B.A. and BSE program conducted in conjunction with the Department of Teacher Education in the School of Education and Health Sciences.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about political science at UD.

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How do I apply to the political science program?

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

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What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

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Undergraduate Tuition
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Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Political Science (B.A.) Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree requires a total of at least 120 credit hours. This degree also includes requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).

Transfer and Exam Credits
Accelerated Programs
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Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2026-27 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations and your personal goals and interests. Please contact the recruitment and admission team (prospective students) or your holistic advisor (current students) with questions.

Semester 1
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • POL 200 – Introduction to Political Science
    3
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • Language 101
    3
  • CAP Natural Science with Lab
    4
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 2
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • POL 201 or 203 – 201: The American Political System; 203: Introduction to Public Policy
    3
  • MTH 207 – Introduction to Statistics
    3
  • Language 141
    3
  • CAP Social Science
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 3
  • POL 202 or 214 – 202: Introduction to Comparative Politics; 214: Introduction to International Relations
    3
  • POL 207 – Political Science Research Methods
    3
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • CAP Advanced Historical Studies
    3
  • Language 201 or Contextual
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 4
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • POL Elective (300/400 level)
    3
  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies Course
    3
  • B.A. Math or Natural Science
    3
  • B.A. Interdisciplinary Programs
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 5
  • POL 316, 317 or 319 – 316: American Political Thought; 317: Development of Political Theory; 319: Twentieth-Century Political Thought
    3
  • POL Elective (300/400 level)
    3
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies
    3
  • CAP Practical Ethical Action
    3
  • B.A. Humanities
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 6
  • POL Electives (300/400 level)
    6
  • CAP Interdisciplinary Investigations
    3
  • CAP Faith Traditions
    3
  • B.A. Social Science (other than POL)
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 7
  • POL Elective (300/400 level)
    3
  • CAP Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • B.A. Arts
    3
  • B.A. Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 8
  • POL 499 – Political Science Capstone
    3
  • POL Elective (300/400 level)
    3
  • B.A. Elective
    3
  • General Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 15

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Accelerated Programs
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study: 3+3 J.D.

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2025-26 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations, and your personal goals and interests. Please contact your holistic advisor if you have any questions.

Semester 1
  • ASI 150 – Introduction to the University Experience
    1
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • CMM 100 – Principles of Oral Communication
    3
  • L2 Language 101
    3
  • POL 200 – Introduction to Political Science
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 13
Semester 2
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • CAP Natural Science (with lab)
    4
  • L2 Language 141
    3
  • POL 201 or POL 203 – 201: The American Political System; 203: Introduction to Public Policy
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 13
Semester 3
  • CAP Second Year English
    3
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • L2 Language 201 or Contextual Course
    3
  • PLW 301 – Mock Trial
    1
  • POL 202 or POL 214 – 202 Introduction to Comparative Politics; 214 Introduction to International Relations
    3
  • POL 207 – Political Science Research Methods
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 4
  • CAP Advanced Philosophical Studies, Practical Ethical Action
    3
  • Arts
    3
  • Natural Science / Math
    3
  • PLW 301 – Mock Trial
    1
  • Open POL Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 5
  • CAP Advanced Religious Studies, Faith Traditions
    3
  • Humanities
    3
  • Depth Elective
    3
  • PLW 301 – Mock Trial
    1
  • Open POL Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 6
  • CAP Major capstone (POL 499)
    3
  • CAP Advanced Historical Studies or Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • Depth Electives (2 Courses)
    6
  • Open POL Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 18

* L2 is a language other than English.

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more. And find additional information, including next steps, on the 3+3 J.D. page.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Accelerated Programs
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Accelerated Degree Opportunities

Please consult with your holistic advisor for eligibility and timeline as you are scheduling your third-semester coursework.

Bachelor's Plus Master's

With UD's Bachelor's Plus Master's (BPM) program, you can earn your bachelor's degree and a master's degree at an accelerated pace — and at a discounted rate. Most students complete their master's degree within just one year of earning their bachelor's degree. A common BPM path for political science majors is to pursue a Master of Public Administration.

3+3 J.D.

For undergraduate students pursuing any Bachelor of Arts degree, the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Law offers a 3+3 J.D. program, allowing students to complete their Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctor in a total of 6 years. View the sample plan of study.

Additional Accelerated Programs Information
Transfer and Exam Credits
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Transfer and Exam Credits

Opportunities for Applied Learning

Lenny Zaleski enjoys majoring in communication and political science at the University of Dayton because of the many opportunities for hands-on, applied learning. “There are so many really cool opportunities for experiential learning at the University of Dayton, whether that’s summer internships, or getting experience at student-run firms and organizations on campus.”

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Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Facts

$61,603 average

starting salary for political science majors

96% success rate

after graduation for the College of Arts and Sciences

Beyond the Classroom: The UD Political Science Experience

Dayton2DC

Dayton2DC is an annual opportunity for University of Dayton students to engage with professionals and gain practical advice about starting and navigating a career in D.C.

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Statehouse Civic Scholars

Statehouse Civic Scholars is a summer residential internship opportunity in highly desirable offices in state government located in Columbus, Ohio.

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Nonprofit and Community Leadership Certificate

Undergraduate students considering careers in the nonprofit community sector may be eligible to pursue this graduate certificate.

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Internship Possibilities

Internships provide students with unique opportunities to apply what they learn and experience on campus into "real world" settings.

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Ready to Study Political Science?

Let’s map your journey. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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